Even though Jan. 29 was technically junior day, it was a sophomore from Odessa Permian who ended up stealing the show.

Defensive lineman Christian Lacouture made the seven-hour trip from West Texas to inform the Aggies he'd be taking them up on the scholarship offer extended to him last November.

Not bad for a 10th-grader.

"I had a great time today and I met with the coaches today and gave them my verbal," he said. "I made the decision today while I was there. They were happy about it and I was very happy with my decision."

Lacouture's father Dave--a hockey star at the University of Maine and the senior vice president of the Odessa Jackalopes of the Central Hockey League--and his mother made the trip to College Station with him and were supportive of his decision.

"They have everything I was looking for and I feel very blessed to have this opportunity and to play for a coaching staff like they do at Texas A&M," he said. "My family really likes it as well."

Even though he has two years left in his high school career, Lacouture has been the subject of heavy attention from colleges already. That's what happens when you start for the likes of Odessa Permian as a freshman.

"I have been talking to Texas Tech, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Kansas, UConn, Boston College and Colorado State," he said, "But Texas A&M has always been number one on my list."

While some high schoolers might be looking to the prospect of starting the recruiting process, Lacouture said he's happy to have his done.

"I'm just looking forward to focusing on winning state for Permian High School and keeping up my grades," he said.